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Sunday, April 16, 2017

Shipwrecks and Lost Barbeques in the Marlborough Sounds

Mapping the seafloor in Marlborough has thrown up one or two surprises,
not least the discovery that it has shifted slightly since the Kaikōura
earthquake, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) says.

Its national hydrographer Adam Greenland said they have also found a
shipwreck in shallower waters than first thought, and a selection of
barbecues, fridges and bottles most likely tossed overboard from boats.

And Mr Greenland said shore-based observations showed a minor
horizontal shift in the land due to November's magnitude-7.8 earthquake.

"In terms of the seabed and the survey we're carrying out we have
seen some minor changes but we're still analysing that data, however
it's nothing as extreme as in Kaikōura," Mr Greenland said.

The project uses multibeam echosounder technology from a ship and is a
joint effort between LINZ and the Marlborough District Council. Sonar
readings were used to create 3D digital maps and shipping charts to show
the land formation of the seabed and the marine ecosystem.

The $1.5 million project began last year, and will soon finish with a final report to be released next year.

The focus was 43 hectares of seafloor in the Queen Charlotte Sound
and in Tory Channel. Mr Greenland said the aim was to update navigation
charts especially as shipping and cruise liner operations were expected
to increase. The research would also provide data for the council to
help it manage the area's marine wildlife.

LINZ said the areas being mapped were identified as a national
priority for updating navigation information as they were last charted
about 70 years ago.

"It's really looking at the future, for shipping and cruise tourism,
and the need for good charts for the (Captain James) Cook anniversary
celebrations," Mr Greenland said.

Planning is now underway for an event in three year's time, to mark
the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook sailing into Ship Cove, in the
Queen Charlotte Sound.